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Steadfastness, Willingness, And Brokenness

After King David’s tragic liaison with Bathsheba, he cries to God for a spirit characterized by:

I. STEADFASTNESS:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a STEADFAST SPIRIT within me.”

Paul exhibited a STEADFAST SPIRIT as he set his face toward Rome and certain death:

“I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God‘s grace.” (Acts 20:23, 24)

By way of contrast, Peter reveals his spongy character at Jesus’ arrest as a young woman links him with Jesus. In response, Peter blathers back to her, “Woman, I don‘t know Him.”

II. WILLINGNESS:

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation… grant me a WILLING SPIRIT, to sustain me.”

Remember the father who approached Jesus to heal his son who was afflicted with an evil spirit? In his struggle to believe he exclaims,

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)

Now that is the kind of WILLING SPIRIT — imperfect as it is — that Jesus can work with!

III.BROKENNESS:

“The sacrifices of God are a BROKEN SPIRIT; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

A BROKEN SPIRIT is evidenced when:

Our ungodly self is slain.

Our impenetrable hardness is softened, and when

Our haughty pride is brought low.

In our quest to walk with God, let us join with David in seeking a spirit characterized by STEADFASTNESS, WILLINGNESS, and BROKENNESS.
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